World Refugee Day marked with rallies
PM vows Canada is ‘committed to its humanitarian tradition’
Dozens of GTA residents who gathered at Nathan Phillips Square were among the thousands around the globe yesterday who marched, protested and marked World Refugee Day.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a special statement recognizing the event, saying “Canada stands in solidarity with the millions of people around the world who long for what is often taken for granted: a safe place to call home.
“This year, our world has changed significantly,” said Trudeau. “As the COVID-19 pandemic has plunged us into uncertain times, Canada remains committed to its humanitarian tradition, and to an asylum system that is fair and efficient.”
“We will continue to work closely with international partners to find ways to support people seeking refuge from persecution, violence, and insecurity as we navigate the unprecedented challenges we are facing as a global community during this crisis,” Trudeau said.
In Toronto, at Nathan Phillips Square, the peaceful demonstration was co-hosted by 20 groups, including the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants. Supporters carried signs saying “Refugees are the future of Canada.” Toronto Mayor John Tory tweeted out a message of support. “Today, I am so proud to live in a city that has opened its doors and hearts to refugees from around the world — and I hope that today we celebrate their many contributions to our city and to the rich cultural diversity of our country.”
Among 26 countries that resettled asylum seekers in 2019, Canada took the No. 1. spot. According to the UN Refugee Agency, Canada provided more than 30,000 refugees the chance at a new life, according to the UN Refugee Agency.
“We are saluting today the generosity of Canada, and of Canadians, in standing with refugees at a time of growing need,” said Rema Jamous Imseis, Canada’s representative from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
“This is the collective result of individual Canadians, civil society, local communities and the government working together and actively contributing to the protection of refugees in the world,” Jamous Imseis noted. “In turn, refugees have contributed significantly to Canada’s economic and social fabric.”
The agency also highlighted refugees who are also “on the front lines fighting this pandemic,” saying their efforts have “created solidarity that transcends borders.”
Trudeau called on Canadians to stand with those fleeing hardship and violence. In addition, Canadians share a moral responsibility to help refugees and forcibly displaced people to find shelter and start new lives
“As Canadians, we are proud to open our hearts, homes, and communities to refugees,” his statement said.
Nearly 80 million people around the world were reported displaced in 2019 in countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Sahel region of Africa, Yemen, Syria and Venezuela.
Yemen has been declared the worst humanitarian crisis in the world with over 20 million people in need of assistance.